Sunderland’s chances of signing Manchester United midfielder Amad Diallo could hinge on Pedro Neto’s future at Wolves.
When it comes to potential newcomers, all Wearside fans will have the same dream addition – Amad Diallo.
The Manchester United attacker spent the previous season with the Black Cats, where he scored 14 goals to help the team reach the play-offs. It wasn’t just the goals, though, with Diallo establishing himself as a key player for the team, pivotal to everything they did going forward, thanks to his pace, vision, and exceptional close control.
As a result, bringing the Ivory Coast international back to the Stadium of Light is a no-brainer, and Sunderland will do everything possible to make it happen.
However, even though the player enjoyed his time in the north-east, the transition will be difficult.
Amad Diallo is a target for the Wolves.
Unsurprisingly, the 21-year-old has Premier League interest, and the Red Devils would obviously prefer their young talent to be tested at the highest level possible.
Wolves are reportedly interested in signing Diallo, and he could be a good fit at Molineux, but a lot depends on Pedro Neto’s future.
This season, the Portugal international has been brilliant for Gary O’Neil’s side, registering seven assists in ten games, and he has been too hot to handle for some of the country’s best teams. Despite suffering a hamstring injury, Neto has been linked with a January move away, with Arsenal reportedly interested in the left-footer.
Neto has assured Wolves that he will remain for the remainder of the season, but the reality is that money talks. If Arsenal believes he can make a difference in their quest for Premier League and Champions League glory, they may make a ridiculous offer in the New Year, so a move may benefit all parties.
If he does leave, Wolves will be heavy favourites to sign Diallo.
Diallo, like Neto this season, excels on the right side, cutting in from the right to cause havoc and using his speed to stretch the game. He would be an excellent replacement. If Neto stays with Wanderers, it’s difficult to see where Diallo fits in. The Wolves’ forward line appears to be settled, with Hwang thriving as the inside left forward and Matheus Cunha providing a good link in the middle. Of course, they’d want a backup, but Manchester United wouldn’t let Diallo leave without a guarantee of minutes, so Sunderland would appear to jump ahead of O’Neil’s team in the queue.
Everyone associated with Wolves is hoping Neto will finish the season in the Black Country, even if most are resigned to the fact that he will be sold for a large sum of money at some point in the future.
Sunderland will share that sentiment, as the knock-on effect of Neto finishing the 23/24 season with Wolves means they could be primed to sign Diallo, which would significantly boost their promotion chances.
